Rumor: 2012 BMW M5 runs 7:55 minutes at Nurburgring

According to FastestLaps, a website that tracks lap times at Nurburgring, the new 2012 BMW M5 ran the popular race track in only 7:55 minutes, …

According to FastestLaps, a website that tracks lap times at Nurburgring, the new 2012 BMW M5 ran the popular race track in only 7:55 minutes, significantly faster than its predecessor.

The E60 M5 was timed at 8:13 minutes, despite using the highly popular high-revving V10 engine. If indeed the lap times are correct, then this makes the new F10 M5 the fastest car in its class. At the same time, this proves that the new M5 is not all about engine power, but rather about a new improved chassis and overall technology updates turning the M5 into a better performer with increased fuel efficiency.

Last week, BMWBLOG attended an exclusive workshop with BMW M head of engineering, Albert Biermann, who described the the radical chassis and engine design. The new M5 has a weight distribution of 51% front, 49% rear. Several kilograms were saved through the use of rear exhaust silencers constructed of titanium.

In a recent article, we described some of the technology improvements of the new M5:

Speaking of the engine, BMWBLOG can confirm that the new M5 will be fitted with a new engine; it will not come equipped with the same engine as featured in the X5/X6 M cars. True, the block and many ancillary parts will be shared, but the head, turbo system and electronics will demonstrate a major departure from those found on the X5/X6M.

First of all, the turbo plumbing both on the intake and exhaust side have been significantly enlarged relative to the previously seen S63 such that engine breathing has been improved and back pressure has been reduced. The cross cylinder bank headers have themselves been increased in diameter for better breathing. The intercoolers are much larger and more pronounced under the hood. Boost pressure has been raised from 1.3 to 1.6 bar.

The valvetronic system has been heavily tuned and modified for the M5 such that turbo lag has been further reduced, and efficiency has been improved. On the test bench at full load the M5 engine shows a 30% improvement in efficiency over the S63 found in the X M cars while making the same power output.

While attending the 24 hr of Nurburgring, BMWBLOG had the opportunity to briefly chat with Albert Biermann, but we were not able to confirm the Nurburgring lap times. The new M5 is still months away from its market launch and lap times can be very subjective based on multiple factors that can influence the final outcome.

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Psupraj

Blazing fast lap time and as fast as a Ferrari F430, one of Jeremy Clarkson’s most favorite cars…. It will be interesting to see what he makes of the new BMW M5.

Tom

That’s quite a drop in time. Impressive.

Manchester Man

This M5 is a dream for saloon lovers. I cont comprehend how a big saloon can do the nurbrugring as quick as the F430… all I can say is that the M department produces magic again and again.

Babken Hakobyan

Yes, but let’s not forget that this lap time hasn’t been confirmed by BMW, so I wouldn’t make any comment in this regard. All I can say is that the upcoming Panamera Turbo S will easily take the quickest 4-door saloon car title from the M5. Even if this unbelievable lap time (unbelievable for BMW of course) turns out to be true, it’s just 1 second quicker than the Panamera Turbo, so the M5’s lap time isn’t something special. Though it’s good by BMW’s measures.